RTÉ announces death of former broadcaster David Davin-Power (72)

RTÉ has announced the death of former broadcaster and correspondent David Davin-Power, who passed away at the age of 72.

Mr Davin-Power began his broadcasting career in RTÉ in the 1980s.

He was part of the team that established the Morning Ireland radio programme in 1984 which he presented for a time along with David Hanly.

He left RTÉ in 1989 to head up the newsroom at Century Radio and when that closed in 1991 he returned to RTÉ and was appointed as Northern Editor.

Mr Davin-Power turned his attention to Leinster House in 2001 where he worked as a senior political correspondent.

He retired from RTÉ in 2017 but sometimes returned as a commentator.

Following his retirement, he also worked as a columnist writing for several publications. 

This evening Taoiseach Simon Harris paid tribute to the long-serving broadcaster. 

"It is with profound sadness that I have learned of the death of David Davin-Power.

"As a journalist and broadcaster, David was a trusted name who was welcomed into homes across the country throughout his long career.

"He was one of the first presenters of Morning Ireland, an accomplished Northern Editor of RTÉ at a key moment in history, a political correspondent who knew the Dáil inside-out, and in recent years, a witty and insightful columnist," he said. 

"David was always a consummate professional, a thorough journalist, and a gentleman.

"He was a storyteller who was generous with his time, he was an interesting person who was interested in other people, and he was kind to those around him.

"To David’s wife, Dearbhla, and his five children and his wider family, friends and colleagues, I am so sorry for your loss.

"May he rest in peace."